4 months ago
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Some Democrats are calling Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid's move to add a public option to health care reform bold and gutsy.
But it's moderate Democrats who could sink the proposed overhaul by voting against it, and they're not saying much. Reid, however, is dangling an opt-out provision into the final bill in a bid to win their support.
For his part, Reid says the public option is the best -- and fairest -- way to improve the current system.
Republicans like Texas Sen. John Cornyn don't see it that way.
Cornyn warns that government competition would drive private companies out of the insurance business.
Reid's move is also one that could turn away the main Republican who's backed the Democrats on health care. Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe says she's disappointed with Reid's decision.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Associated Press
